Rapid universal rack mount enclosure

ABSTRACT

A cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cable spool and a length of fiber optic cable. The enclosure defines an interior region, a first opening and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The first and second openings provide access to the interior region. The cable spool is disposed in the interior region of the enclosure and is rotatably engaged with the enclosure. The cable spool includes a drum and a flange engaged to the drum. The flange has an outer peripheral side, a cable management portion and an adapter bulkhead portion. The adapter bulkhead portion extends outwardly from the cable management portion and forms a portion of the outer peripheral side. The length of the fiber optic cable is dispose about the drum of the cable spool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/236,078, filed Aug. 12, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/450,956, filed Aug.4, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,448,377, issued Sep. 20, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/863,914, filed Apr.16, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,798,429, issued Aug. 5, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/840,834, filed Jul.21, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,422,847, issued Apr. 16, 2013, whichapplication claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/261,657, filed Nov. 16, 2009, and also claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/227,247, filed Jul. 21,2009, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

In the telecommunications industry, use of fiber optic cables forcarrying transmission signals is rapidly growing. Fiber distributionframes are adapted to aid in the connection of fiber optic equipment. Toconnect fiber optic equipment in the fiber distribution frame or toconnect fiber optic equipment between fiber distribution frames, fiberoptic cable is routed between the fiber optic equipment and/or the fiberdistribution frames. However, the length of fiber optic cable neededbetween the fiber optic equipment and/or the fiber distribution framesvaries depending on the location of the equipment in the fiberdistribution frame or the location of the fiber distribution frames. Asa result, there is a need for a system to effectively manage varyinglengths of fiber optic cable.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable enclosureassembly. The cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cablespool and a length of fiber optic cable. The enclosure defines aninterior region, a first opening and a second opening aligned with thefirst opening. The first and second openings provide access to theinterior region. The cable spool is disposed in the interior region ofthe enclosure and is rotatably engaged with the enclosure. The cablespool includes a drum and a flange engaged to the drum. The flange hasan outer peripheral side, a cable management portion and an adapterbulkhead portion. The adapter bulkhead portion extends outwardly fromthe cable management portion and forms a portion of the outer peripheralside. The length of the fiber optic cable is dispose about the drum ofthe cable spool.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable enclosureassembly. The cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cablespool, a plurality of adapters and a length of fiber optic cable. Theenclosure defines an interior region and a first opening. The firstopening provides access to the interior region. The cable spool isdisposed in the interior region of the enclosure and rotatably engagedwith the enclosure. The cable spool includes a drum and a flange engagedto the drum. The flange includes an adapter bulkhead portion. Theplurality of adapters is disposed on the adapter bulkhead portion. Eachof the adapters including a first side and a second side. The length offiber optic cable is disposed about the drum of the cable spool. Thefiber optic cable includes a first end and an oppositely disposed secondend. The first end has connectors engaged to the second sides of theadapters. The cable spool is rotatable in the enclosure to a firststored position in which the first sides of the adapters are alignedwith the first opening and accessible through the first opening.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable enclosureassembly. The cable enclosure assembly includes an enclosure, a cablespool, a plurality of adapters, a length of fiber optic cable, a firstplurality of bend radius protectors and a spool lock. The enclosuredefines an interior region and a first opening that provides access tothe interior region. The cable spool is disposed in the interior regionof the enclosure and rotatably engaged with the enclosure. The cablespool includes a drum and a flange engaged to the drum. The flangeincludes an adapter bulkhead portion. The plurality of adapters isdisposed on the adapter bulkhead portion. Each of the adapters includinga first side and a second side. The length of fiber optic cable isdisposed about the drum of the cable spool. The fiber optic cableincludes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The firstend has connectors engaged to the second sides of the adapters. Thefirst plurality of bend radius protectors is disposed adjacent to thefirst opening. The spool lock is adapted for engagement with the cablespool to prevent rotation of the cable spool relative to the enclosure.The spool lock is adapted to engage the cable spool when the cable spoolis in a first stored position in which the first sides of the adaptersare aligned with the first opening and accessible through the firstopening.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to cable routingconfigurations that incorporate rotating spool technology.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticnetwork assembly. The fiber optic network assembly includes a firstoptical distribution frame having a cable enclosure assembly. The cableenclosure assembly includes an enclosure mounted to the first opticaldistribution frame. A cable spool is rotatably disposed in theenclosure. A length of fiber optic cable is wrapped around the cablespool. The fiber optic cable has a first end and an oppositely disposedsecond end. The second end includes a multi-fiber connector. A secondoptical distribution frame includes an adapted that is remotely disposedfrom the first optical distribution frame. The second end of the fiberoptic cable of the cable enclosure assembly of the first opticaldistribution frame is engaged to the adapter of the second opticaldistribution frame.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fiber optic network assemblyhaving exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a multi-fiber connector suitablefor use in the fiber optic network assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the multi-fiber connector of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of the fiber optic network assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of the fiber optic network assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the fiber optic network assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a cable enclosure assemblysuitable for use in the fiber optic network assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the cable enclosure assembly ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the cable enclosure assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cable enclosure assembly ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adapter suitable for use with thecable enclosure assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cableenclosure assembly showing a cable spool in a first stored position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cable enclosure assembly of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the cable enclosure assemblyof FIG. 13 showing a spool lock.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the cable enclosure assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the cable enclosure assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the cable enclosure assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is perspective view of the cable enclosure assembly with a coverremoved showing the cable spool in a second stored position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a fiber optic network assembly, generallydesignated 10, is shown. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thefiber optic network assembly 10 includes a first optical distributionframe 12 and a second optical distribution frame 14.

The first optical distribution frame 12 includes a cable enclosureassembly, generally designated 20. The cable enclosure assembly 20includes an enclosure 22 and a cable spool 24 rotatably disposed in theenclosure 22.

A length of fiber optic cable 26 is wrapped around the cable spool 24.In one aspect of the present disclosure, the length of fiber optic cable26 wrapped around the cable spool 24 is greater than or equal to about80 feet. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the length offiber optic cable 26 wrapped around the cable spool 24 is greater thanor equal to about 100 feet. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thefiber optic cable 26 has an outer diameter that is 3 millimeter.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the fiber optic cable 26 is amulti-fiber cable. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fiberoptic cable 26 includes at least 6 fibers. In another aspect of thepresent disclosure, the fiber optic cable 26 includes at least 12fibers. The fiber optic cable 26 includes a first end 28 and anoppositely disposed second end 30. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the first end 28 and second ends 30 are connectorized.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the first end 28 includes aplurality of single fiber connectors 32 (e.g., SC connectors, LCconnectors, LX.5 connectors, ST connectors, FC connectors, MUconnectors, etc.). The plurality of single fiber connectors 32 isadapted for engagement with a first side 34 of a plurality of fiberoptic adapters 36. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the pluralityof adapters 36 is disposed on the cable spool 24 so that the pluralityof adapters 36 rotates in unison with the cable spool 24 when the fiberoptic cable 26 is dispensed from the cable spool 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the second end 30 of the fiber optic cable26 includes a multi-fiber connector 38 (e.g., MT connector, Multi-fiberPush-On (MPO) connector, etc.). An exemplary multi-fiber connectorsuitable for use with the fiber optic cable 26 is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,214,730, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Exemplary multi-fiber connectors suitable foruse with the fiber optic cable 26 are available from US Conec Ltd. ofHickory, N.C., USA as part numbers C10821, C10822, C8190, and C10823.Fiber optic connectors related to part numbers C10821, C10822, C8190,and C10823 are known as MTP® connectors. A suitable multi-fiberconnector has been described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2009/0324181, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The multi-fiber connector 38 is adapted for engagement with an adapter40. The adapter 40 is adapted to mechanical couple the multi-fiberconnector 38 to a second multi-fiber connector. The adapter 40 isremotely disposed from the fiber optic cable enclosure assembly 20. Inthe depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the adapter 40 is disposed on a firstpanel assembly 42 of the second optical distribution frame 14.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end 30 of the fiberoptic cable 26 is paid out from the cable spool 24 by pulling on thesecond end 30 of the fiber optic cable 26. As the fiber optic cable 26is pulled, the cable spool 24 rotates relative to the enclosure 22.Since the plurality of adapters 36 is disposed on the cable spool 24,the first end 28 of the fiber optic cable 26 can remain connected to theplurality of adapters 36 without damaging the fiber optic cable 26.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of a cable enclosureassembly 20′ is shown in which the plurality of adapters 36 is disposedon the enclosure 22 so that the plurality of adapters 36 is remote fromthe cable spool 24. In this embodiment, the first end 28 of the fiberoptic cable 26 is disconnected from the first side 34 of the adapters 36so that the second end 30 of the fiber optic cable 26 can be paid outwithout damaging the fiber optic cable 26. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the first end 28 of the fiber optic cable 26 is stored onthe cable spool 24 while the second end 30 of the fiber optic cable 26is paid out. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first end28 of the fiber optic cable 26 is stored on a flange of the cable spool24 while the second end 30 is paid out. The first end 28 of the fiberoptic cable 26 is engaged to the plurality of adapters 36 after adesired length of the fiber optic cable 26 has been paid out from thecable spool 24.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a cross-connect cable 44 optically connectsthe first panel assembly 42 of the second optical distribution frame 14to a second panel assembly 46 of the second optical distribution frame14. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the cross-connect cable 44 isengaged to one of a first plurality of adapters 48 on the first panelassembly 42 and one of a second plurality of adapters 50 on the secondpanel assembly 46 of the second optical distribution frame 14.

A jumper cable 52 optically connects the fiber optic enclosure assembly20 of the first optical distribution frame 12 to an active component 54of the first optical distribution frame 12. In the depicted embodimentof FIG. 1, a first connectorized end 56 of a jumper cable 52 is engagedto a second side 58 of one of the plurality of adapters 36 of the fiberoptic cable enclosure assembly 20 while a second connectorized end 60 ofthe jumper cable 52 is optically engaged to the active component 54. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, the jumper cable 52 has a lengththat is greater than or equal to 2 feet. In another aspect of thepresent disclosure, the length of the jumper cable 52 is greater than orequal to 5 feet. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lengthof the jumper cable 52 is greater than or equal to 10 feet.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a fiber opticnetwork assembly 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the first opticalfiber optic network assembly 100 includes a first optical distributionframe 102 and a second optical distribution frame 104.

The first optical distribution frame 102 includes a cable enclosureassembly, generally designated 110. The cable enclosure assembly 110includes an enclosure 112 and a cable spool 114 rotatably disposed inthe enclosure 112. A length of multi-fiber fiber optic cable 116 iswrapped around the cable spool 114.

The fiber optic cable 116 includes a first end 118 and an oppositelydisposed second end 120. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thefirst end 118 and second ends 120 are connectorized.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, the first end 118 includes a firstmulti-fiber connector 122 (e.g., MT connector, Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO)connector, etc.). The first multi-fiber connector 122 is adapted forengagement with a first side 124 of a multi-fiber adapter 126 disposedon the enclosure 112 of the cable enclosure assembly 110 so that themulti-fiber adapter 126 is remote from the cable spool 114.

The second end 120 of the fiber optic cable 116 includes a secondmulti-fiber connector 128 (e.g., MT connector, Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO)connector, etc.). The second multi-fiber connector 128 is adapted forengagement with an adapter 130 that is remotely disposed from the cableenclosure assembly 110. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, theadapter 130 is disposed on a first panel assembly 132 of the secondoptical distribution frame 104.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end 120 of the fiberoptic cable 116 is paid out from the cable spool 114 by pulling on thesecond end 120 of the fiber optic cable 116. As the fiber optic cable116 is pulled, the cable spool 114 rotates relative to the enclosure112. As the second end 120 of the fiber optic cable 116 is paid out, thefirst end 118 of the fiber optic cable 116 is stored on the cable spool114. The first end 118 of the fiber optic cable 116 is engaged to themulti-fiber adapter 126 after a desired length of the fiber optic cable116 has been paid out from the cable spool 114.

A cross-connect cable 134 optically connects the first panel assembly132 of the second optical distribution frame 104 to a second panelassembly 136 of the second optical distribution frame 104.

A patch cable 142 optically connects the fiber optic enclosure assembly110 of the first optical distribution frame 102 to one or more activecomponents 144 of the first optical distribution frame 102. The patchcable 142 includes a first connectorized end 146 and a secondconnectorized end 148. The first connectorized end 146 includes amulti-fiber connector 150 while the second connectorized end 148includes a plurality of single fiber connectors 152. In the depictedembodiment of FIG. 5, the first connectorized end 146 of the patch cable142 is engaged to a second side 148 of the multi-fiber adapter 126 ofthe fiber optic cable enclosure assembly 20 while the secondconnectorized end 148 of the patch cable 142 is optically engaged to aplurality of single fiber adapters 154 of the active component 144. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, the patch cable 142 has a lengththat is greater than or equal to about 2 feet. In another aspect of thepresent disclosure, the length of the patch cable 142 is greater than orequal to about 5 feet. In another aspect of the present disclosure, thelength of the patch cable 142 is greater than or equal to about 10 feet.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of a fiber opticnetwork assembly 200 is shown. In this embodiment, the first opticalfiber optic network assembly 200 includes a first optical distributionframe 202 and a second optical distribution frame 204.

The first optical distribution frame 202 includes a cable enclosureassembly, generally designated 210. The cable enclosure assembly 210includes an enclosure 212 and a cable spool 214 rotatably disposed inthe enclosure 212. A length of multi-fiber fiber optic cable 216 iswrapped around the cable spool 214.

The fiber optic cable 216 includes a first end 218 and an oppositelydisposed second end 220. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thefirst end 218 and second ends 220 are connectorized.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 6, the first end 218 includes aplurality of single fiber connectors 222 (e.g., SC connectors, LCconnectors, LX.5 connectors, ST connectors, FC connectors, MUconnectors, etc.). The plurality of single fiber connectors 222 isadapted for engagement with a first side 224 of a plurality of adapters226 disposed on an active component 227 of the first opticaldistribution frame 202.

The first end 218 optically connects the cable enclosure assembly 210 ofthe first optical distribution frame 202 to the active component 227 ofthe first optical distribution frame 202. The first end 218 extendsoutwardly from the cable enclosure assembly 210 by a length that isgreater than or equal to about 2 feet. In another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the first end 218 extends outwardly from the cable enclosureassembly 210 by a length that is greater than or equal to about 5 feet.In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first end 218 extendsoutwardly from the cable enclosure assembly 210 by a length that isgreater than or equal to about 10 feet.

The second end 220 of the fiber optic cable 116 includes a secondmulti-fiber connector 228 (e.g., MT connector, Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO)connector, etc.). The second multi-fiber connector 228 is adapted forengagement with an adapter 230 that is remotely disposed from the cableenclosure assembly 210. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 6, theadapter 230 is disposed on a first panel assembly 232 of the secondoptical distribution frame 204.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end 220 of the fiberoptic cable 216 is paid out from the cable spool 214 by pulling on thesecond end 220 of the fiber optic cable 216. As the fiber optic cable216 is pulled, the cable spool 214 rotates relative to the enclosure212. As the second end 220 of the fiber optic cable 216 is paid out, thefirst end 218 of the fiber optic cable 216 is stored on the cable spool214 and carried by the cable spool 214 as the cable spool 214 rotates.The first end 218 of the fiber optic cable 216 is engaged to theplurality of adapters 226 after a desired length of the fiber opticcable 216 has been paid out from the cable spool 214.

A cross-connect cable 234 optically connects the first panel assembly232 of the second optical distribution frame 204 to a second panelassembly 236 of the second optical distribution frame 204.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, a cable enclosure assembly, generallydesignated 300, is shown. The cable enclosure assembly 300 includes anenclosure, generally designated 302, and a cable spool, generallydesignated 304, rotatably disposed in the enclosure 302.

The enclosure 302 includes a base 306, a first sidewall 307 and anoppositely disposed second sidewall 308. The first and second sidewalls307, 308 extend outwardly from the base 306. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the first and second sidewalls 307, 308 extendoutwardly in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the base306. The first sidewall 307 includes a first end 309 a and an oppositelydisposed second end 309 b while the second sidewall 308 includes a firstend 310 a and an oppositely disposed second end 310 b.

The enclosure 302 has a height H_(D) and a width W_(D). The height H_(D)of the enclosure 302 is generally equal to the distance the first andsecond sidewalls 307, 308 extend from the base 306. The width W_(D) ofthe enclosure 302 is generally equal to the distance between the firstand second sidewalls 307, 308.

Each of the first and second sidewalls 307, 308 includes a mountingbracket 312. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the mountingbracket 312 is generally L-shaped. The mounting bracket 312 includes afirst end portion 313 that mounts to one of the first and secondsidewalls 307, 308 and a second end portion 314 that is adapted forengagement with the first optical distribution frame 12 (shown in FIG.1). In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first end portion 313is engaged to one of the first and second sidewalls 307, 308 by aplurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, weld, adhesive,etc.).

The base 306 and the first and second sidewalls 307, 308 of theenclosure 302 cooperatively define an interior region 316 of theenclosure 302. The interior region 316 is adapted to receive the cablespool 304.

The enclosure 302 defines a first opening 318 disposed adjacent to thefirst ends 312 a, 314 a of the first and second sidewalls 308, 310 andan oppositely disposed second opening 320 disposed adjacent to thesecond ends 309 b, 310 b of the first and second sidewalls 307, 308. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, the first ends 309 a, 310 a of thefirst and second sidewalls 307, 308 and the base 306 cooperativelydefine the first opening 318 while the second ends 309 b, 310 b of thefirst and second sidewalls 307, 308 and the base 306 cooperativelydefine the second opening 320. The first and second openings 318, 320provide access to the interior region 316 of the enclosure 302.

The enclosure 302 includes a plurality bend radius protectors 322disposed on the base 306 of the enclosure 302. Each of the bend radiusprotectors 322 includes a body 324 having a base end 326 and anoppositely disposed free end 328. The body 324 is arcuate in shape andincludes a radius. The radius is sized to be greater than the minimumbend radius of a fiber optic cable. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the body 324 is shaped as a partial cylinder. A retentionarm 330 extends outwardly from the body 324 in a generally radialdirection at the free end 328. In one aspect of the present disclosure,the retention arm 330 is integral with the body 324.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a first plurality of bendradius protectors 322 a is disposed adjacent the first opening 318. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, the first plurality of bend radiusprotectors 322 a includes one bend radius protector 322 disposedadjacent to the first end 309 a of the first sidewall 307 and anotherbend radius protector 322 disposed adjacent to the first end 310 a ofthe second sidewall 308. A second plurality of bend radius protectors322 b is disposed adjacent the second opening 320. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the second plurality of bend radius protectors 322 bincludes one bend radius protector 322 disposed adjacent to the secondend 309 b of the first sidewall 307 and another bend radius protector322 disposed adjacent the second end 310 b of the second sidewall 308.In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second plurality ofbend radius protectors 322 b includes a first set of bend radiusprotectors 322 disposed adjacent to the second end 309 b of the firstsidewall 307 and a second set of bend radius protectors 322 disposedadjacent the second end 310 b of the second sidewall 308. Each of thetwo sets of bend radius protectors 322 includes two bend radiusprotectors. The two bend radius protectors 322 are arranged so that theretention arms 330 of the bend radius protectors 322 are aligned andcooperatively define a channel 332 with the bodies 324 of the bendradius protectors 322.

The enclosure 302 further includes a plurality of cable clips 334disposed adjacent to the first opening 318. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the cable clips 334 are disposed on opposite sides of thefirst opening 318.

The cable spool 304 is rotatably disposed in the interior region 320 ofthe enclosure 302. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cablespool 304 includes a first flange 340, an oppositely disposed secondflange 341 and a drum 342 disposed between the first and second flanges340, 341. The drum 342 is adapted to receive a length of fiber opticcable 343. The length of fiber optic cable 343 is wrapped or coiledaround the drum 342 and includes a first end 344 and an oppositelydisposed second end 345. The outer diameter of the drum 342 is sized sothat the outer diameter is greater than the minimum bend radius of thefiber optic cable 343.

In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable 343 includes optical fibershaving reduced sensitivity to micro or macro-bending (hereinafterreferred to as “bend insensitive”). Exemplary bend insensitive opticalfibers have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,587,111 and 7,623,747,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. An exemplary bend insensitive optical fiber suitable for usein cable enclosure assembly 300 is commercially available from DrakaComteq under the name BendBright XS.

The cable spool 304 includes a height H_(S) and has an outer diameterD_(S). The height H_(S) of the cable spool 304 is measured along arotational axis 346 of the cable spool 304 that extends through thecenter of the drum 342. In one aspect of the present disclosure, theheight H_(S) of the cable spool 304 is less than or equal to the heightH_(D) of the enclosure 302. In another aspect of the present disclosure,the height H_(S) of the cable spool 304 is at least about 30% of theheight H_(D) of the enclosure 302. The outer diameter D_(S) of the cablespool 304 is less than the width W_(D) of the enclosure 302. In oneaspect of the present disclosure, the outer diameter D_(S) of the cablespool 304 is at least 75% of the width W_(D) of the enclosure 302.

The first flange 340 includes a first surface 347, an oppositelydisposed second surface 348, and an outer side 350 that extends aroundthe perimeter of the first flange. The first surface 347 is disposedadjacent to the base 306. The second surface 348 is disposed adjacent tothe drum 342. The outer side 350 of the first flange 340 is generallycircular in shape. The outer side 350 includes a chordal side surface354 that is generally planar in shape. The chordal side surface 354 isoffset from the rotational axis 346.

The second flange 341 includes a first surface 355, an oppositelydisposed second surface 356 that is disposed adjacent to the drum 342,and an outer peripheral side 358. The second flange 341 further includesa cable management portion 359 and an adapter bulkhead portion 360.

The cable management portion 359 of the second flange 341 is generallyplanar in shape and defines a cable pass-thru 362 that extends throughthe first and second surfaces 355, 356 of the second flange 341. Thecable pass-thru 362 provides a passage through which a portion of thefiber optic cable 343 can pass from the drum 342 through the secondflange 341 so that the portion of the fiber optic cable 343 that passesthrough the cable pass-thru 362 is disposed adjacent to the firstsurface 355 of the second flange 341.

The cable pass-thru 362 is located at a position that is offset from therotational axis 346 of cable spool 304. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the cable pass-thru 362 is located at a radial distance fromthe rotational axis 346 that is greater than the radius of the drum 342.

The cable management portion 359 includes a plurality of bend radiusprotectors 366. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the bend radiusprotectors 366 are similar in structure to the bend radius protectors322 previously described. The bend radius protectors 366 are configuredto route the portion of the fiber optic cable 343 that passes throughthe cable pass-thru 362 from the cable pass-thru 362 to the adapterbulkhead portion 360. The cable management portion 359 further includesa cable spool 368. The cable spool 368 is adapted to receive an excessportion of the fiber optic cable 343 that passes through the cablepass-thru 362. The excess portion is wrapped around the cable spool 368.In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cable spool 368 is formedby at least two bend radius protectors 366. In another aspect of thepresent disclosure, the cable spool 368 is formed by at least three bendradius protectors 366.

The cable management portion 359 further includes a fan-out mountingarea 370 that is adapted to receive a fan-out 372. The fan-out 372serves as a transition location between ribbon-style cable andupjacketed fibers. In one aspect of the present disclosure, theupjacketed fibers have an outer diameter that is about 900 micrometers.In another aspect of the present disclosure, the upjacketed fibers havean outer diameter that is about 2 millimeters. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the fan-out mounting area 370 includes a clip thatretains the fan-out 372 in the fan-out mounting area 370. In thedepicted embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the fan-out mounting area 370 isadapted to receive multiple fan-outs 372 in a stacked configuration.

The adapter bulkhead portion 360 extends outwardly from the cablemanagement portion 359 of the second flange 341. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion 360 is aboutperpendicular to the cable management portion 359 so that the firstsurface 355 of the adapter bulkhead portion 360 faces the cablemanagement portion 359 while the second surface 356 faces away from thecable management portion 359. In one aspect of the present disclosure,the adapter bulkhead portion 360 forms a portion of the outer peripheralside 358 of the second flange 341 so that the second surface 356 of theadapter bulkhead portion 360 is generally aligned with the chordal sidesurface 354 of the first flange 340 of the cable spool 304. In oneaspect of the present disclosure, the second surface 356 of the adapterbulkhead portion 360 of the second flange 341 and the chordal sidesurface 354 of the first flange 340 are generally offset from the firstopening 318 of the enclosure 302 when the cable spool 304 is in a storedposition (best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9).

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion360 and the cable management portion 359 are monolithic. The secondflange 341 is originally formed as a planar sheet after which theadapter bulkhead portion 360 is bent to the position shown in FIGS.7-10.

The adapter bulkhead portion 360 is adapted to receive a plurality ofadapters 374. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adapterbulkhead portion 360 is adapted to receive at least 12 adapters 374. Inanother aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion362 is adapted to receive at least 24 adapters 374. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion 362 defines an adapteropening 376 in which the plurality of adapters 374 is mounted. Inanother aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion362 defines a plurality of openings 376 in which the plurality ofadapters 374 is mounted.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, one of the adapters 374 is shown. Inthe depicted embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the adapter 374 is anSC-type adapter. As the SC-type adapter was described in U.S. Pat. No.5,317,663, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,the SC-type adapter will only be briefly described herein. The SC-typeadapter includes a main body 380 with a pair of tabs 382, 384 located onthe exterior of the main body 380. The tabs 382, 384 serve to supportthe adapter 374 in the adapter bulkhead portion 360 of the second flange341. The adapter 374 further includes a pair of retaining clips 386,388, with one retaining clip 386, 388 associated with each tab 382, 384.

The adapter 374 includes a first side 390 and a second side 392. Each ofthe first and second sides 390, 392 is adapted to receive single fiberconnectors. The first side 390 of the adapter 374 is inserted into theadapter bulkhead portion 360. As the adapter 374 is inserted through theadapter opening 376, the retaining clips 386, 388 compress against themain body 380. The adapter 374 is inserted into the adapter bulkheadportion 360 until the tabs 382, 384 abut the adapter bulkhead portion360. With the tabs 382, 384 abutting the adapter bulkhead portion 360,the retaining clips 386, 388 decompress on the opposite side of theadapter bulkhead portion 360, thereby retaining the adapter bulkheadportion 360 between the retaining clips 386, 388 and the tabs 382, 384.

The adapter 374 further includes an alignment sleeve 394 disposed in themain body 380. The alignment sleeve 394 defines a central longitudinalbore 396 having a first opening 398 a and an oppositely disposed secondopening 398 b. The first opening 398 a is adapted to receive a firstferrule of a connectorized end of a fiber optic cable while the secondopening 398 b is adapted to receive a second ferrule of a connectorizedend of another fiber optic cable. The alignment sleeve 394 is adapted toalign the first and second ferrules for optical communication.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the cable management portion 359 defines afirst cable routing path 400 and a second cable routing path 402. Thefirst cable routing path 400 routes a first group of fibers 343 a of thefiber optic cable 343 to a first set 374 a of the adapters 374 while thesecond cable routing path 402 routes a second group of fibers 343 b thefiber optic cable 343 to a second set 374 b of the adapters 374.

The first cable routing path 400 routes the first group of fibers 343 afrom the fan-out 372 in a first direction away from a second side 392 ofthe adapters 374. The first group of fibers 343 a of the fiber opticcable 343 is then routed around a first plurality of bend radiusprotectors 366 a. The first cable routing path 400 then routes the firstgroup of fibers 343 a in a second direction toward the second side 392of the adapters 374 where the connectorized ends of the first group offibers 343 a are engaged with the second side 392 of the adapters 374.

The second cable routing path 402 routes the second group of fibers 343b from the fan-out 372 in the first direction away from the second side392 of the adapters 374. The second group of fibers 343 b of the fiberoptic cable 343 is then routed around a second plurality of bend radiusprotectors 366 b. The second plurality of bend radius protectors 366 bis located on the second flange 341 in a mirror image arrangement withrespect to a reference plane that is generally perpendicular to theadapter bulkhead portion 360 and extends through the rotational axis346. The second group of fibers 343 b of the fiber optic cable 343 isrouted around the second plurality of bend radius protectors 366 b in adirection that is opposite of the direction the first group of fiber 343a is routed around the first plurality of bend radius protectors 366 a.The second cable routing path 402 then routes the second group of fiber343 b in the second direction toward the second side 392 of the adapters374 where the connectorized ends of the second group of fibers 343 a areengaged with the second side 392 of adapters 374.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a bearing assembly 404 engages the cable spool304 to the enclosure 302. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thebearing assembly 404 is a simple or plain bearing.

The bearing assembly 404 includes a first ring member 406, a second ringmember 408 and a puck member 410. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the bearing assembly 404 is manufactured from a generalpurpose polycarbonate material. In another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the bearing assembly 404 is molded from a thermoplasticpolyester resin, such as Valox resins.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second ringmembers 406, 408 are substantially similar. Each of the first and secondring members 406, 408 includes an outer circumferential surface 411 a,411 b, respectively, a first surface 412 a, 412 b, respectively, and anoppositely disposed second surface 414 a, 414 b, respectively. The firstand second surfaces 412, 414 are generally planar.

The first surface 412 a of the first ring member 406 is adapted forengagement with the first flange 340 of the cable spool 304. The secondsurface 414 a of the first ring member 406 is adapted for engagementwith the first surface 412 b of the second ring member 408. The secondsurface 414 b of the second ring member 408 is adapted for engagementwith the second flange 341.

The first ring member 406 defines an inner bore 416 having a bearingsurface 418. The bearing surface 418 is disposed at an oblique anglerelative to the rotational axis 346. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the oblique angle is less than about 90 degrees. In anotheraspect of the present disclosure, the oblique angle is in the range ofabout 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. In another aspect of the presentdisclosure, the oblique angle is in the range of about 45 degrees toabout 60 degrees.

The puck member 410 is captured between the first and second ringmembers 406, 408 and is adapted for fixed engagement with the base 306of the enclosure 302 and rotating engagement with the first ring member406. The puck member 410 includes a first end surface 420, an oppositelydisposed second end surface 422, and a mating bearing surface 424. Inthe subject embodiment, the first and second end surfaces 420, 422 aregenerally planar. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first endsurface 420 is adapted for engagement with the base 306 of the enclosure302.

The mating bearing surface 424 is adapted to engage the bearing surface418 of the first ring member 406 in sliding contact. The mating bearingsurface 424 is disposed at an angle that is about equal to the obliqueangle.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an outer periphery of the puckmember 410 is sized slightly smaller than the inner bore 416 of thefirst ring member 406. This difference in size between the outerperiphery of the puck member 410 and the inner bore 416 of the firstring member 406 creates a clearance between the first ring member 406and the puck member 410. This clearance allows for rotation of the puckmember 410 in the first ring member 406 following dimensional expansionof the outer periphery of the puck member 410, which results from heatgenerated from rotation of the puck member 410 in the first ring member406. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the clearance is filledwith silicon grease or other lubricant to reduce the amount of heatgenerated.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer circumferentialsurfaces 411 a, 411 b of the first and second ring members 406, 408 ofthe bearing assembly 404 form the drum 342. The fiber optic cable 343 iscoiled around the outer circumferential surfaces 411 a, 411 b of thebearing assembly 404.

While the cable enclosure assembly 300 described above is suitable foruse in the fiber optic network 10 depicted in FIG. 1 of the presentdisclosure, it will be understood that a similar cable enclosureassembly 300 could be used in the fiber optic network assemblies 10,100, 200 depicted in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. In the fiber optic networkassemblies 10, 100, 200 as depicted in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the cable spool304 can be modified so that the adapter bulkhead portion 360 is removedfrom the cable spool 304.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the use of the cable enclosure assembly 300will be described. With the fiber optic cable 343 coiled around the drum342 of the cable spool 304 and the first end 344 of the fiber opticcable 343 engaged with the first side 390 of the adapters 374 in theadapter bulkhead portion 360, the second end 345 of the fiber opticcable 343 can be paid out through one of the first and second openings318, 320. As the second end 345 is pulled through one of the first andsecond openings 318, 320, the cable spool 304 rotates in the enclosure302 about the rotation axis 346. After the second end 345 of the fiberoptic cable 343 has been paid out, the second side 403 of the adapters374 can be engaged with a connectorized cable (e.g., patch cable, jumpercable, etc.). In one aspect of the present disclosure, the entire lengthof the fiber optic cable 343 is not completely deployed during pay out.In this scenario, the residual length of fiber optic cable 343 (which isequal to the entire length minus the deployed length) remains coiledaround the drum 342 of the cable spool 304.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, a pulling assembly 426 enclosesthe second end 345 of the fiber optic cable 343. A pulling assemblysuitable for use with the second end 345 of the fiber optic cable 343has been described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/176,721 (nowU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/775,011), entitled “Cable PullingAssembly” and filed on May 8, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/177,879 (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/779,198), entitled“Cable Pulling Assembly” and filed on May 13, 2009, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-19, an alternate embodiment of the cableenclosure assembly 500 is shown. The cable enclosure assembly 500includes an enclosure, generally designated 502, and a cable spool,generally designated 504, rotatably disposed in the enclosure 502.

The enclosure 502 includes a base panel 506, a first sidewall 508, anoppositely disposed second sidewall 510, and a third sidewall 512. Thefirst, second and third sidewalls 508, 510, 512 extend outwardly fromthe base panel 506. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first,second and third sidewalls 508, 510, 512 extend outwardly in a directionthat is generally perpendicular to the base panel 506. In the depictedembodiment of FIGS. 13-15, the first sidewall 508 is generally parallelto the second sidewall 510. The first sidewall 508 includes a first end514 a and an oppositely disposed second end 514 b while the secondsidewall 510 includes a first end 516 a and an oppositely disposedsecond end 516 b. The first ends 514 a, 516 a of the first and secondsidewalls 508, 510 and the base 506 cooperatively define a first opening517 of the enclosure 502.

The third sidewall 512 is disposed between the second ends 514 b, 516 bof the first and second sidewalls 508, 510 and oriented so that thethird sidewall 512 is generally perpendicular to the first and secondsidewalls 508, 510. The third sidewall 512 includes a first end 518 aand an oppositely disposed second end 518 b.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, the first and second ends 518a, 518 b of the third sidewall 512 do not abut the second ends 514 b,516 b of the first and second sidewalls 508, 510, respectively. Thesecond end 514 b of the first sidewall, the first end 518 a of the thirdsidewall 512 and the base panel 506 define a first passage 520 while thesecond end 516 b of the second sidewall 510, the second end 518 b of thethird sidewall 512 and the base panel 506 define a second passage 522.Each of the first and second passages 522 provides access to an interiorregion 524 of the enclosure 502, which is cooperatively defined by thefirst, second and third sidewalls 508, 510, 512 and the base panel 506.

The third sidewall 512 defines an access opening 526. The access opening526 is disposed between the first and second ends 518 a, 518 b of thethird sidewall 512. The access opening 526 extends through the thirdsidewall 512. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the accessopening 526 is a generally U-shaped opening.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the third sidewall 512 includesa grounding fastener 528. The grounding fastener 528 is disposed on anouter surface 529 of the third sidewall 512.

The cable spool 504 is rotatably disposed in the interior region 524 ofthe enclosure 502. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cablespool 504 includes a first flange 530, an oppositely disposed secondflange 532 and a drum disposed between the first and second flanges 530,532. The fiber optic cable 343 is wrapped around the drum of the cablespool 504.

The first flange 530 is structurally similar to the first flange 340 ofthe cable enclosure assembly 302 previously described. The second flange532 includes a first surface 534, an oppositely disposed second surface536 that is disposed adjacent to the drum, and an outer peripheral side538. The second flange 532 further includes a cable management portion540 and an adapter bulkhead portion 542.

The cable management portion 540 includes a cable pass-thru 544 thatextends through the first and second surfaces 534, 536 of the secondflange 532. The cable pass-thru 544 provides a passage through which anend portion 546 of the fiber optic cable 343 can pass from the drumthrough the second flange 532 so that the portion of the fiber opticcable 343 is disposed in the cable management portion 540.

The cable management portion 540 includes a strain relief spool 548. Thestrain relief spool 548 is disposed on the second surface 536 of thesecond flange 532 adjacent to the cable pass-thru 544. The strain reliefspool 548 is adapted to receive a portion of the end portion 546 of thefiber optic cable 343. The portion of the fiber optic cable 343 iswrapped around the strain relief spool 548. The strain relief spool 548protects the end portion 546 of the fiber optic cable 343 disposed inthe cable management portion 540 from being disrupted in the event thatthe fiber optic cable 343 is pulled after all of the fiber optic cable343 disposed around the drum of the cable spool 504 has been paid out.

The cable management portion 540 further includes a plurality of cablemanagement spools 550 around which the end portions 546 of the fiberoptic cable 343 are coiled. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 13, theend portions 546 of the fiber optic cable 343 are loosely coiled aroundthe cable management spools 550. This loose coiling provides excesslengths of individual fibers of the end portions 546 of the fiber opticcable 343. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the cable managementportion 540 includes a first cable management spool 550 a and a secondcable management spool 550 b.

The cable management portion 540 further includes a fan-out mountingarea 560 that is adapted to receive a fan-out 562. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the fan-out mounting area 560 includes a pluralityof fan-outs 562. The fan-outs 562 serve as a transition location betweenthe fiber optic cable 343 and the individual upjacketed fibers of thefiber optic cable 343. In one aspect of the present disclosure, thefan-out mounting area 560 includes a plurality of fasteners 564 (e.g.,screws, nuts, etc.) that retains the fan-out 562 in the fan-out mountingarea 560.

The cable management portion 540 further includes a plurality of cableanchors 576. The cable anchors 576 extend outwardly from the secondsurface 536 of the second flange 532 and define an opening through whicha cable tie can pass. The cable tie is adapted for retaining the fiberoptic cable 343 in the cable management portion 540.

The adapter bulkhead portion 542 extends outwardly from the cablemanagement portion 540 of the second flange 532. In one aspect of thepresent disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion 542 is aboutperpendicular to the cable management portion 540. The adapter bulkheadportion 542 is generally planar in shape and forms a chordal sidesurface of the second flange 532 of the cable spool 504. In one aspectof the present disclosure, the adapter bulkhead portion 542 is generallyparallel to the first opening 517 of the enclosure 502 when the cablespool 304 is in a first stored position (best shown in FIG. 13).

The adapter bulkhead portion 542 is adapted to receive the plurality ofadapters 374. The adapter bulkhead portion 542 defines a plurality ofadapter openings in which the plurality of adapters 374 is mounted.

The adapter bulkhead portion 542 defines a bracket mount 582. In thedepicted embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, the bracket mount 582 is a threadedhole that is centrally located on the adapter bulkhead portion 542. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket mount 582 is disposedbetween a first plurality of adapters 374 a and a second plurality ofadapters 374 b.

The cable enclosure assembly 500 further includes a cover 584. The cover584 is adapted for engagement with the enclosure 502. When the cover 584is engaged to the enclosure 502, the cover 584 is generally parallel tothe base panel 506 and extends between the first and second sidewalls508, 510. The cover 584 includes a first edge 586 and an oppositelydisposed second edge 588. The first edge 586 is offset from the firstopening 517 of the enclosure 502. In one aspect of the presentdisclosure, the first edge 586 is generally aligned with the adapterbulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool 504 when the cable spool is inthe first stored position. The second edge 588 is generally aligned withthe third sidewall 512 of the enclosure 502.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the cover 584 includes aplurality of mounting holes 589. The mounting holes 589 are adapted toreceive fasteners for mounting the cover 584 to the enclosure 502. Inthe depicted embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the cover 584 includes fivemounting holes 589.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, the enclosure 502 includes a plurality ofmounting posts 592. In the depicted embodiment, the enclosure 502includes a first mounting post 592 a disposed adjacent to the first end514 a of the first sidewall 508, a second mounting post 592 b disposedadjacent to the first end 516 a of the second sidewall 510 and a thirdmounting post 592 c that extends through a rotating axis of the cablespool 504.

The first and second mounting posts 592 b, 592 c extend outwardly fromthe base panel 506 at a location adjacent to the first opening 517. Eachof the first and second mounting posts 592 a, 592 b includes a body 594having an end 596. The end 596 is oriented so that the end 596 extendsoutwardly from the body 594 in a generally perpendicular direction. Thebody 594 defines a first mounting hole 598 while the end 596 defines asecond mounting hole 600. The first and second mounting holes areoriented so that a longitudinal axis through the first mounting hole 598is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis through the secondmounting hole 600. The second mounting hole 600 is adapted for alignmentwith one of the mounting holes 589 of the cover 584.

The body 594 of each of the first and second mounting posts 592 isdisposed near the first opening 517 of the enclosure 502 so that thebody 594 is generally aligned with the adapter bulkhead portion 542 whenthe cable spool 504 is in the first stored position. Each of the firstand second mounting posts 592 is disposed at a radial distance from acenter of the cable spool 504 that is greater than the radius of thesecond flange 532.

The third mounting post 592 c includes a hole 601 having a longitudinalaxis that is coaxial with the rotating axis of the cable spool 504. Thehole 601 of the third mounting post 592 c is adapted for alignment withone of the mounting holes 589 of the cover 584. The hole 601 is furtheradapted to receive a fastener that extends through the cover 584.

The cable enclosure assembly 500 further includes a spool lock 602. Thespool lock 602 is adapted for engagement with the cable spool 504 toprevent rotation of the cable spool 504 relative to the enclosure 502.The spool lock 602 includes a body 604. The body 604 is generallyL-shaped and includes a first portion 606 and a second portion 608. Thefirst and second portions 606, 608 are generally perpendicular. The body604 further includes a first axial end 610 and an oppositely disposedsecond axial end 612.

The spool lock 602 further includes a plurality of tabs 614. Each of thetabs 614 extends outwardly from the second portion 608 of the body 604so that each of the tabs 614 is generally perpendicular to the secondportion 608 and generally parallel to the first portion 606 so that eachof the tabs 614 is generally offset from the first portion 606.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of tabs 614includes a first tab 614 a disposed at the first axial end 610 of thebody 604 of the spool lock 602 and a second tab 614 b disposed at thesecond axial end 612 of the body 604. The first tab 614 a is adapted forengagement with the first mounting post 592 a while the second tab 614 bis adapted for engagement with the second mounting post 592 b.

The first tab 614 a defines a first hole 616 that is adapted foralignment with the first mounting hole 598 of the first mounting post592 a. The second tab 614 b defines a second hole 618 that is adaptedfor alignment with the second mounting hole 600 of the second mountingpost 592 b. First and second fastener 620, 622 extend through the firstand second holes 616, 618, respectively. The first and second fasteners620, 622 are adapted for engagement with the first and second mountingholes 598, 600 of the first and second mounting posts 592 a, 592 b. Inone aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and secondfasteners 620, 622 includes a gripping portion 624 that is used torotate the fastener for engagement with the mounting posts 592.

With the first tab 614 a engaged to the first mounting post 592 a, thesecond tab 614 b engaged to the second mounting post 592 b and the cablespool 504 disposed in the first stored position, a portion of the firsttab 614 a overlaps a first end portion 626 of the adapter bulkheadportion 542 of the cable spool 504 while a portion of the second tab 614b overlaps a second end portion 628 of the adapter bulkhead portion 542.This overlap prevents rotation of the cable spool 504 relative to theenclosure 502 in either direction of rotation (i.e., clockwise orcounterclockwise). If the cable spool 504 is rotated in the clockwisedirection, the first end portion 626 of the adapter bulkhead portion 542abuts the overlapping portion of the first tab 614 a. This abutmentbetween the first end portion 626 of the adapter bulkhead portion 542and the overlapping portion of the first tab 614 a prevents rotation inthe clockwise direction. If the cable spool 504 is rotated in thecounterclockwise direction, the second end portion 628 of the adapterbulkhead portion 542 abuts the overlapping portion of the second tab 614b. This abutment between the second end portion 628 of the adapterbulkhead portion 542 and the overlapping portion of the second tab 614 bprevents rotation in the counterclockwise direction.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 13-15, the spool lock 602 furtherincludes a third tab 614 c. The third tab 614 c is centrally disposedbetween the first and second tabs 614 a, 614 b. The third tab 614 cextends outwardly from the second portion 608 of the body 604 so thatthe third tab 614 c is generally perpendicular to the second portion608, generally parallel to the first portion 606, and generally alignedwith the first and second tabs 614 a, 614 b. The third tab 614 c definesa third hole 630. The third hole 630 is adapted for alignment with thebracket mount 582 of the adapter bulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool504 when the first and second tabs 614 a, 614 c are engaged with thefirst and second mounting posts 592 a, 592 b. A third fastener 632extends through the third hole 630 of the third tab 614 c. The thirdfastener 632 is adapted for engagement with the bracket mount 582 of theadapter bulkhead portion 542.

The first portion 606 of the spool lock 602 includes an identificationarea 636. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the identificationarea 636 of the spool lock 602 includes indicium (e.g., numbers,letters, symbols, colors, etc.) that identifies each of the plurality ofadapters 374 mounted to the adapter bulkhead portion 542 of the cablespool 504.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 19, the cable spool 504 can be held inposition by the spool lock 602 in the first stored position (shown inFIG. 13) and a second stored position (shown in FIG. 19). In the firststored position, the first sides 390 of the adapters 374, which aremounted on the adapter bulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool 504, areaccessible through the first opening 517 of the cable enclosure assembly500. In the second stored position, the cable spool 504 is oriented in aposition that is about 180 degrees from the first stored position sothat the first sides 390 of the adapters 374, which are mounted on theadapter bulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool 504, are accessiblethrough the access opening 526 of the third sidewall 512.

When the cable spool 504 is disposed in the first stored position, thefirst and second tabs 614 a, 614 b of the spool lock 602 are engagedwith the mounting posts 592 a, 592 b while the third tab 614 c isengaged with the adapter bulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool 504.When the cable spool 504 is disposed in the second stored position, thefirst and second tabs 614 a, 614 b of the spool lock 602 are engagedwith the mounting posts 592 a, 592 b while the third tab 614 c of thespool lock 602 is engaged with a lock tab 640 disposed on the secondflange 532 of the cable spool 504. The lock tab 640 extends outwardlyfrom the second flange 532 and is generally parallel to the adapterbulkhead portion 542 of the cable spool 504. The lock tab 640 includes amount 642 that is adapted to receive the third fastener 632 of the spoollock 602.

The cable enclosure assembly 500 is adapted for mounting in variouspositions. For example, the cable enclosure assembly 500 can be mountedin the first optical distribution frame 12 so that the base panel 506 isthe bottom panel of the cable enclosure assembly 500. Alternatively, thecable enclosure assembly 500 can be mounted in the first opticaldistribution frame 12 so that the base panel 506 is the left-most,right-most, front-most, rear most or upper-most panel of the cableenclosure assembly 500.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

1. (canceled)
 2. A fiber optic network assembly comprising: an opticaldistribution frame having a cable enclosure assembly, the cableenclosure assembly including: an enclosure having a front side and arear side, the enclosure comprising: a first major side, the first majorside being void of an access opening; a second major side generallyparallel to the first major side; a first minor side; and a second minorside oppositely disposed to the first minor side; wherein the firstminor side and the second minor side extend generally perpendicularlybetween the first major side and the second major side, the enclosuredefining an interior region and a front opening at the front side; acable spool disposed in the interior region of the enclosure androtatably engaged with the enclosure, the cable spool including a firstflange, an oppositely disposed second flange, and a drum disposedbetween the first and second flanges, the first and second flangesextending radially outwardly from the drum, the second flange includinga first surface; a cable management portion positioned on the firstsurface of the second flange, the cable management portion including afan-out mounting area that is adapted to receive a fan-out; and aplurality of adapters disposed on the cable spool so that the adaptersrotate in unison with the cable spool; the adapters being positioned atthe front opening of the enclosure such that first sides of the adaptersare accessible from the front side of the enclosure without removing theadapters from the cable spool.
 3. The fiber optic network assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the second flange includes an adapter bulkhead portionon the first surface thereof, the plurality of adapters being disposedin the adapter bulkhead portion, each of the adapters including a secondside.
 4. The fiber optic network assembly of claim 3, further comprisinga length of fiber optic cable disposed about the drum of the cablespool, the fiber optic cable including a first end and an oppositelydisposed second end, the first end having connectors engaged to thesecond sides of the adapters.
 5. The fiber optic network assembly ofclaim 2, further comprising brackets having mounting flanges that areattached to the first minor side and the second minor side for mountingthe enclosure to a distribution frame, the brackets being configuredsuch that when the enclosure is mounted to the distribution frame thefirst major side is a top surface and the second major side is a bottomsurface.
 6. The fiber optic network assembly of claim 2, furthercomprising a manual spool lock that is adapted for engagement with thecable spool to prevent rotation of the cable spool relative to theenclosure.
 7. The fiber optic network assembly of claim 3, wherein theadapter bulkhead portion forms a chordal side surface of the secondflange.
 8. The fiber optic network assembly of claim 3, wherein thesecond flange and the adapter bulkhead portion are integral.
 9. Thefiber optic network assembly of claim 4, further comprising an activecomponent disposed at the optical distribution frame, wherein the fiberoptic cable has a second connectorized end received at the activecomponent.
 10. A cable enclosure assembly comprising: an enclosurehaving a front side and a rear side, the enclosure comprising: a firstmajor side, the first major side being void of an access opening; asecond major side generally parallel to the first major side; a firstminor side; and a second minor side oppositely disposed to the firstminor side; wherein the first minor side and the second minor sideextend generally perpendicularly between the first major side and thesecond major side, the enclosure defining an interior region and a frontopening at the front side; a cable spool disposed in the interior regionof the enclosure and rotatably engaged with the enclosure, the cablespool including a first flange, an oppositely disposed second flange,and a drum disposed between the first and second flanges, the first andsecond flanges extending radially outwardly from the drum, the secondflange including a first surface; a cable management portion positionedon the first surface of the second flange, the cable management portionincluding a fan-out mounting area that is adapted to receive a fan-out;and a plurality of adapters disposed on the cable spool so that theadapters rotate in unison with the cable spool; the adapters beingpositioned at the front opening of the enclosure such that first sidesof the adapters are accessible from the front side of the enclosure. 11.The cable enclosure assembly of claim 10, wherein the second flangeincludes an adapter bulkhead portion on the first surface thereof, theplurality of adapters being disposed in the adapter bulkhead portion,each of the adapters including a second side.
 12. The cable enclosureassembly of claim 11, further comprising a length of fiber optic cabledisposed about the drum of the cable spool, the fiber optic cableincluding a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, the firstend having connectors engaged to the second sides of the adapters. 13.The cable enclosure assembly of claim 10, further comprising bracketshaving mounting flanges that are attached to the first minor side andthe second minor side for mounting the enclosure to a distributionframe, the brackets being configured such that when the enclosure ismounted to the distribution frame the first major side is a top surfaceand the second major side is a bottom surface.
 14. The cable enclosureassembly of claim 10, further comprising a manual spool lock that isadapted for engagement with the cable spool to prevent rotation of thecable spool relative to the enclosure.
 15. The cable enclosure assemblyof claim 11, wherein the adapter bulkhead portion forms a chordal sidesurface of the second flange.
 16. The cable enclosure assembly of claim11, wherein the second flange and the adapter bulkhead portion areintegral.
 17. The cable enclosure assembly of claim 12, furthercomprising an active component disposed at an optical distributionframe, wherein the fiber optic cable has a second connectorized endreceived at the active component.
 18. A cable enclosure assemblycomprising: an enclosure having a front side and a rear side, theenclosure comprising: a first major side; a second major side generallyparallel to the first major side; a first minor side; and a second minorside oppositely disposed to the first minor side; wherein the firstminor side and the second minor side extend generally perpendicularlybetween the first major side and the second major side, the enclosuredefining an interior region and a front opening at the front side; acable spool disposed in the interior region of the enclosure androtatably engaged with the enclosure; a cable management portionpositioned on the cable spool, the cable management portion including afan-out mounting area that is adapted to receive a fan-out; and aplurality of adapters disposed on the cable spool so that the adaptersrotate in unison with the cable spool; the adapters being positioned atthe front opening of the enclosure such that first sides of the adaptersare accessible from the front side of the enclosure.
 19. The cableenclosure assembly of claim 18, further comprising brackets havingmounting flanges that are attached to the first minor side and thesecond minor side for mounting the enclosure to a distribution frame,the brackets being configured such that when the enclosure is mounted tothe distribution frame the first major side is a top surface and thesecond major side is a bottom surface.
 20. The cable enclosure assemblyof claim 18, wherein the cable spool includes an adapter bulkheadportion, the plurality of adapters being disposed in the adapterbulkhead portion, each of the adapters including a second side.
 21. Thecable enclosure assembly of claim 20, further comprising a length offiber optic cable disposed about a drum of the cable spool, the fiberoptic cable including a first end and an oppositely disposed second end,the first end having connectors engaged to the second sides of theadapters.